Overview
- Japan’s agriculture ministry reports the 5‑kilogram retail average at ¥4,279 for December 15–21, up ¥44 week over week and the first rise in three weeks.
- Regional dispersion persists, with Kinki highest at ¥4,476, Kanto/Greater Tokyo at ¥4,372, and Kyushu–Okinawa at ¥3,959 as the only area below ¥4,000.
- Trade participants say robust 2025 yields should pressure prices lower, yet record procurement payouts to farmers are keeping retail tags elevated and cooling sales.
- Wholesalers have reworked sourcing since the 2024 shortage, broadening out-of-prefecture buys and supplementing with imports, including Taiwan rice secured ahead of government stock releases.
- A separate supermarket-focused tally places the 5‑kilogram average at ¥4,337, a new high, with branded rice at ¥4,486 (down ¥27) and blends at ¥3,964 (up ¥72) as blends account for 28% of sales.